Idaho Bureau of Laboratories

IBL provides food testing services solely in support of public health activities, such as foodborne illness investigations, and does not accept food samples from private individuals or organizations.  As a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), IBL provides threat identification and rule-out tests to support public health and law enforcement operations and performs rapid tests for the early detection of biological agents and toxicants in food. 

IBL maintains strict guidelines regarding receipt and processing of samples. Samples are accepted only from state agencies, district health departments, or law enforcement agencies.

Before submitting a sample, it is highly recommended that you consult the Bureau's Sampling and Submission Guide. There you will find a complete list of tests that are performed at IBL as well as information on sample collection and handling procedures. Samples must be received in appropriate packaging for the testing process to be successful. Proper submission forms must accompany samples. If the form you need is not on the list, or if you are unsure of the form you should use, please call 208-334-2235.

• Biological Threat Food/Environmental Test Request Form